Category Archives: News

Signify inaugurates Global Finance Service Centre in Noida for Growth, Innovation, and Transformation

Noida, India, October 10, 2024: Signify the world’s leading lighting company, has officially inaugurated its Global Finance Service Centre (GFSC) Hub in Noida. This hub will engage over 250 employees, playing a crucial role in strengthening Signify’s business globally and in India.

Signify’s aim is to use this facility to continue steering ahead on its transformation journey, which includes centralized hubs for processes. Serving markets across the world, the GFSC will focus on accounting operations, Credit and Collection (C&C), Accounting, Reporting and Internal Control (ARIC), and Purchase to Pay (PTP). The new finance hub is expected to bring a host of benefits, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the overall economy.

Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD, Signify Greater India, commented, “The launch of our Global Finance Service Centre in Noida underlines our commitment to growth across the world with a dominant focus on the Indian market. It’s an affirmation of the rich talent pool and the conducive business environment that India offers. We believe this move will help nurture and develop the skills of our workforce, thereby contributing to the flourishing talent ecosystem in the country.”

“We are excited to inaugurate our GFSC in Noida, which will play a key role in supporting our global business services model. This hub represents our commitment to driving strategic objectives and contributing to our growth trajectory globally.” said Dibyendu Raychaudhury, Head of Finance, Signify Greater India.

Signify’s new office space in Noida is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation where employees can share ideas and work together. The GFSC features dedicated spaces for collaboration, co-creation, and relaxation, with stylish interiors and comfortable workspaces, ensuring employees work at their best, driving the company forward in its mission to create a better world through innovation and sustainability.

Celebrating Cinema: MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 Joins Forces with Soho House Mumbai

Mumbai, October 10th, 2024: The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Soho House Mumbai as the Community Partner for the highly anticipated MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, scheduled to take place from October 19th to 24th, 2024.

MAMI will host a robust Industry Programme that includes panels and screenings aimed at fostering creative dialogue and knowledge sharing for filmmakers, industry experts. To celebrate Indian and global cinema, community and culture at Soho House Mumbai from October 21 to 23, 2024.

This year’s industry programme will feature an impressive lineup of panels at Soho House that delve into topics shaping the future of cinema. Attendees can expect engaging discussions with emerging filmmakers and directors of the industry on varied topics including independent film distribution strategies, elevating production values, the transformative role of artificial intelligence in media and entertainment, and more. Other sessions hosted at Soho House Mumbai will also highlight innovative approaches to reviving audience engagement in theaters, effective co-production strategies, and sustainable filmmaking practices, all aimed at fostering a healthy conversation about the ever-changing film industry landscape.

Films shown at Soho House, Mumbai can be viewed from the comfort of their very own screening room, and will see the entire selection of South Asia Competition, which includes international festival winners as well as the latest works by reputed independent filmmakers, across genres of fiction, documentary & animation features.

Talking about the partnership, Deepti DCunha, Artistic Director of MAMI said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Soho House Mumbai, a creative hub that not only champions artistic expression but also serves as a vibrant meeting point for some of the brightest minds in the industry. By uniting industry professionals and thought leaders, we hope to ignite innovative ideas and foster collaborative solutions that will redefine the future of cinema, ensuring that it remains a relevant and powerful medium for storytelling.”

Kelly Wardingham, Region Director, Asia, Soho House, added, “At Soho House, we are elated to collaborate with MAMI Film Festival for its 2024 edition. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the arts and providing a platform for creative expression. We look forward to welcoming industry professionals and film enthusiasts to Soho House Mumbai, where we can collectively celebrate the transformative power of cinema and contribute to the evolving landscape of the film industry.”

RingCentral Secures PAN-India License for Fully Compliant Global UCaaS and CCaaS Solutions for Multinational Firms in India

Bangalore and Delhi, India & Belmont, Calif. – 10 October 2024 — RingCentral Inc., a global leader in AI-powered trusted business communications for companies of all sizes, today announced it has received the PAN-India license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to operate across all 22 telecommunications circles in India. As the first cloud provider to deliver fully compliant Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions for India, RingCentral enables multinational organizations to connect their global offices with India branch offices for seamless communication and collaboration across messaging, video, and phone with Global RingEX Select. RingCentral’s RingCX provides companies with a simple to use, easy to deploy omnichannel contact center solution that delivers seamless, personalized, and high-quality customer experiences. When used together, Global RingEX Select and RingCX enable businesses to deliver exceptional customer service while optimizing workforce collaboration.

“Securing the PAN-India license marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for RingCentral in India as we continue to push the boundaries of global collaboration and customer experience,” said Sathesh Murthy, SVP of Engineering and GM India at RingCentral. “Our comprehensive cloud solutions, Global RingEX Select and RingCX, enable seamless communication for organizations with offices in India, as well as those looking to enhance their customer engagement capabilities. Our unmatched reliability, secure platform, and trusted solutions are a game-changer for multinational organizations looking to optimize their business communications and customer interactions.”

With the ability to cater to customers in all 22 telecommunications circles in the country, RingCentral is rapidly expanding its footprint to major metropolitan areas to meet customer needs. Global RingEX Select India connects teams across the globe with offices in India, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity and the ability to navigate the regulatory landscape so customers can focus on their core business operations.

“Before implementing RingEX, we struggled with a patchwork of local providers and outdated systems that hindered our productivity and collaboration. Using a fully compliant solution gives us peace of mind in that we will no longer worry about potential regulatory issues or service disruptions that could impact our operations in India,” said Philippe Bourdon, CIO at Mastech Digital. “The cloud-based nature of the platform means we can scale effortlessly as our team in India grows. The flexibility and easy-to-use capabilities of RingEX allowed us to bring effortless business communications to our operations in India within 10 days.”

Leveraging UCaaS and CCaaS together delivers transformative value for businesses. By streamlining workflows, reducing technology overhead, and providing a consistent experience across all touchpoints, using these solutions together not only improves operational efficiency but also fosters innovation in customer engagement strategies. Key benefits of Global RingEX Select and RingCX include:

● Fully compliant cloud phone: First fully compliant global cloud phone service in India that is backed by India Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) certifications.

● Reliable service: Ensures businesses operate at peak efficiency with 99.999% uptime, top-tier security, and seamless phone, message and video integration possibilities.

● Native omnichannel: Delivers seamless customer experiences across voice, video, 20+ digital channels, AI summaries, and unlimited domestic inbound and outbound minutes.

● AI-powered customer engagement: Assists contact center employees before, during, and after interactions with real-time guidance for agents, and automated scoring and monitoring for supervisors, ultimately resulting in superior customer experiences.

“Global RingEX Select and RingCX cloud-based architecture aligns well with India’s digital transformation initiatives, offering scalability and flexibility that traditional on-premise solutions struggle to match,” said Denise Lund, Research Vice President of Worldwide UC&C and Telecom at IDC. “As India continues to establish itself as a global hub for customer service operations, the two solutions provide rich capabilities with AI that any size company can quickly implement to benefit employees and customers.”

Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan advised Krsnaa Diagnostics on stake purchase in Apulki Healthcare

New Delhi, October 10, 2024: Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan advised Krsnaa Diagnostics Limited, a listed entity on its acquisition of 23.35% stake in Apulki Healthcare Private Limited. Apulki specialises in operating cancer and cardiac care hospitals in public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

The firm’s role included conducting legal due diligence on Apulki, drafting and review of transaction documents, and strategic advisory on tax implications.

 The corporate due diligence team consisted of Noorul Hassan, Partner, Shipra Verma, Principal Associate, Aishwarya Narasimhan, Associate and Krishna Chandak, Consultant.

 Additionally, Sameer Avasarala, Principal Associate and Aryashree Kunhambu, Associate assisted with intellectual property and data protection aspects of the due diligence.

 The transaction team was led by Noorul Hassan along with Shipra Verma and Kumar Panda, Principal Associate. Direct tax advisory was provided by Mr. Sudin Sabnis, Partner, Lokesh Gandhi, Associate and Deah Kapoor, Consultant.”

Merino Group Honoured with Prestigious Prithvi Award 2024 for Sustainability Leadership at ESG Conference

New Delhi, 10th October 2024 – In recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability and ground-breaking achievements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, Merino Industries Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious Prithvi Award 2024.

Presented at the ESG Conference in New Delhi, the accolade was received by Shri Madhusudan Lohia, Director of Merino Industries Ltd., and Shri Rakesh Tirath, Advisor Corporate Affairs, Merino Industries Ltd; symbolizing Merino’s leadership in championing eco-friendly and responsible business operations. As one of the industry’s top honours, the Prithvi Award celebrates “Sustainability Icons,” highlighting organizations that are at the forefront of the global shift towards more sustainable and inclusive growth.

The award underscores Merino’s ongoing dedication to fostering a sustainable future through its holistic ESG initiatives. ERF, a not-for-profit organization established in 2021, aims to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of ESG principles across public and private sectors, spotlighting businesses that place sustainability at the core of their operations.

Merino’s journey to winning the Prithvi Award was shaped by its ground-breaking sustainability efforts under its flagship Nirmal Initiative. This initiative encompasses the company’s comprehensive approach to minimizing its environmental footprint while promoting renewable energy usage, water conservation, and carbon sequestration. The Nirmal program focuses on the five elements—energy (Analah), air (Vayu), soil (Bhūmih), water (Aapah), and waste (Khah), driving Merino’s sustainability agenda on a global scale.

A standout achievement in Merino’s sustainability portfolio during FY 2023-2024 is that, 74.6% of the company’s total energy needs, including both heat and electricity, were met through renewable and non-fossil fuel sources. This achievement significantly reduces Merino’s reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with India’s renewable energy goals. Biomass, BioGas and Solar Energy are non-fossil fuel/biogenic in nature, do not produce harmful GHG emissions like CO2 there by enabling a huge reduction in Carbon Foot print is achieved.

The company also produced around 95 metric tons of vermicompost, supporting the farming community engaged in contract farming with Merino. These efforts reflect Merino’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to creating value from waste through circular economy principles, ensuring that no resource is considered waste.

Through its CSR initiatives, such as the Shri Hara Kasturi Memorial Trust, Merino has made significant contributions to education and healthcare. The free day-boarding school established by the company provides quality education along with three nutritious meals daily and essential school materials to more than 150 children from economically-deprived families. Additionally, the Yogakshema Scholarship Program, launched in 2018 in Kolkata, West Bengal, supports bright yet underprivileged students with a monthly stipend, covering their educational expenses.

In the health sector, Merino has successfully treated and cured 6,585 TB patients to date. During 2023-24, the company organized 14 health checkup camps in various villages, reaching 4,460 patients and raising awareness about tuberculosis, its causes, and prevention.

These initiatives reflect Merino’s commitment to advancing India’s green economy, promoting responsible business practices, and improving the quality of life for communities in need.

Shri Madhusudan Lohia, Director of Merino Industries Ltd., shared his perspective on the company’s achievement: “At Merino, sustainability is not just a goal – it is a core value that shapes everything we do. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to building a greener, more equitable future, not only for Merino but for the entire planet. The Prithvi Award strengthens our resolve to continue on this path, driving innovations that protect our environment while fostering growth and progress.”

Royal Canin Drives Pet Industry Insights at Pet Industry Dialogue India 2024

Mumbai: Royal Canin, a pioneer in the “Health through Nutrition” solution for cats and dogs, with the purpose of creating A Better World for Pets, recently participated in the fourth edition of the Pet Industry Dialogue, India 2024. Held on 4th October at the Grand Blossom, Goregaon West, Mumbai, the event brought together thought leaders from the pet industry, aiming to forge cohesive growth and promote ecosystem-wide prioritizing collaboration. The Pet Industry Dialogue aligns with Royal Canin’s core values of prioritizing cats and dogs and promoting industry-wide progress.

Known for pioneering work advancing pet well-being through quality nutrition, Royal Canin engaged in thought-provoking discussions at the event while showcasing its offerings at the India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), which runs parallel to the dialogue. The dialogue was inaugurated by Ms. Linda Hawk and focused on the critical need for education, the right knowledge, and collaborative growth, addressing key challenges such as the current low-calorie conversion rate of just 6-8% in a market of 35 million pets. Discussions also centered around sensitizing future pet parents and the need for scientific evidence to enhance the quality of nutrition for pets’ well-being. Industry representation and advocacy were emphasized as pivotal to the future of pet care in India.

As one of the fastest-growing markets globally, India’s pet industry is witnessing a surge in demand for high-quality pet products, services, and innovations. The Pet Industry Dialogue, a premier forum for this burgeoning sector, has emerged as a critical platform for addressing industry challenges, exploring future growth trajectories, and enabling global perspectives on market expansion. The dialogue is also a crucial steppingstone for companies aiming to enter the Indian pet market, offering strategic insights on establishing partnerships or making direct investments.

Satinder Singh, General Manager of Royal Canin, was one of the distinguished speakers at the event. Singh shared his industry expertise related to discussions on pet nutrition, health innovations, and the evolving expectations of pet owners in India and beyond. Adding to the discourse, Govind Suryawanshi, Director of Corporate Affairs, and Vishal Mundhra, Director of Strategy, led discussions around the evolution of companion animal therapeutics and the transformation of distribution and sales channels in India’s pet industry.

Other notable speakers were industry leaders like Dr. Rakesh Pathak (CEO, PetCare India) and Shalini Arora (Founder, Happy Tails).

Satinder Singh, General Manager at Royal Canin India, reflected on the event’s success. “The Pet Industry Dialogue has once again proven to be an invaluable platform for our industry. The discussions and insights shared over the course of the event have highlighted the remarkable growth and potential of the Indian pet care market. As we witnessed firsthand, the increasing focus on pet health and nutrition is driving innovation and collaboration across the sector. It is crucial that we address pain points so that Pet Parents become responsible and Pet parenthood becomes more accessible for both current and future. Royal Canin is proud to have been part of these crucial conversations that will shape the future of pet care in India.”

In addition to participating in the dialogue, Royal Canin is one of the event sponsors, further reaffirming its commitment to drive positive change and growth in the pet industry. At the IIPTF, Royal Canin presented its latest nutrition-focused solutions designed to improve pets’ lives while offering tailored support to pet parents and industry professionals. Focusing on learning, collaboration, and forward-looking strategies, the Pet Industry Dialogue, India 2024, was a key milestone in shaping the future of the Indian pet industry.

NTPC among the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024

New Delhi, Oct 10th 2024: NTPC Limited, India’s largest power utility, has been recognized as one of the “World’s Best Employers 2024” in the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024 List released on 8th October, 2024.

NTPC is among the Top 500 companies in the world in this prestigious World ranking and is the only Indian Maharatna CPSE to figure in the list.

The World’s Best Employers are chosen each year (by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista), based on globally administered independent surveys completed by employees in over 50 countries around the world. The top employers are identified based on over 300,000 employee evaluations.

The above is a recognition of NTPC’s “People before PLF (Plant Load Factor)” approach, its excellence in the development and management of its Human Resources through continuous process improvement, creating a caring, learning and engaging workplace, focusing on employee well-being and care, and creating a meaningful, collaborative employee experience by putting the needs of employees first and adopting people practices aligned strategically to business needs.

It is a celebration of NTPC‘s constantly evolving and holistic talent strategy and people practices that are in line with business and workforce requirements and work to create a meaningful environment that fosters business excellence.

NTPC has been at the forefront of adopting and institutionalizing progressive and best HR practices in a proactive manner, which have been recognized by various prestigious forums at national and international levels.

This achievement demonstrates NTPC‘s commitment to scaling new heights of success and emerging as a strong force in the global arena. It is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of every member of the NTPC family and symbolizes the shared vision and relentless drive of the NTPC Family towards excellence.

Air India Express Celebrates Durga Puja with ‘Jamdani’ Tail Art on New Aircraft

10-October-2024, Kolkata: Joining the festivities of Durga Puja in West Bengal, Air India Express showcased its brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft with tail art inspired by the traditional “Jamdani” design at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Jamdani is a renowned pattern from Bengal, known for its delicate handloom creations, typically featuring intricate floral, vine, leaf, and geometric motifs. Deeply rooted in Bengali culture, Jamdani plays a significant role in weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.

To commemorate the special occasion, Air India Express employees dressed in traditional Jamdani attire welcomed the aircraft, registered VT-BXG, to Kolkata. The aircraft operated on the Kolkata – Jaipur route.

Another new aircraft of Air India Express, registered VT-BXU, which recently joined the fleet, features a vibrant Kantha design on its tail. Kantha, also from Bengal, originated as a method of repurposing old saris and clothes into quilts and blankets. The designs often portray everyday life, folk stories, and nature, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans.

Since launching its refreshed brand identity in October 2023, Air India Express has continued its unique tradition of featuring a variable tailfin design inspired by the rich art and crafts heritage of the country, with a unique design on the tail of every new aircraft. The airline has already added 35 new aircraft to its fleet since last year, and now has a total fleet size of 89 narrowbody Airbus and Boeing aircraft. With 217 weekly flights from West Bengal, Air India Express remains dedicated to providing personalised product and service offerings with a sense of unique Indian warmth, while celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Kolkata:

Air India Express operates 154 weekly flights, connecting Kolkata to 12 domestic destinations: Agartala, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, Kochi, Surat, and Varanasi. The airline also offers convenient one-stop connectivity to 14 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bombay, Delhi, Goa, Gwalior, Indore, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam. Internationally, it connects passengers to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Bagdogra:

With 63 weekly flights, Air India Express connects Bagdogra to five domestic destinations: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Additionally, the airline provides convenient one-stop connectivity to 19 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Guwahati, Gwalior, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Pune, Ranchi, Surat, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam. Internationally, it connects Bagdogra to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, and Singapore.

GADDA CO Onboards Shaktimaan Fame Mukesh Khanna as Brand Ambassador

New Delhi, October 10, 2024: GADDA CO, one of the leading names in the mattress and bedding industry announces the onboarding of the legendary actor Mukesh Khanna, India’s first and only superhero known for his iconic roles as Shaktimaan and Bhishma from Mahabharat, as the new face of the brand. This exciting collaboration marks a new chapter for GADDA CO., as the brand continues to emphasize its commitment to providing quality sleep solutions, including mattresses, waterproof mattress protectors, pillows, and pillow protectors.

Mukesh Khanna shared his excitement about the collaboration, “I have always believed in the power of good health, and quality sleep is at the foundation of that. GADDA CO has proven to be a brand that cares deeply about offering products that enhance the quality of life for people across India. Their dedication to quality, comfort, and durability aligns with my personal values, and I am excited to be a part of this journey, whether it’s the mattresses or the protectors, their attention to detail in crafting products that support good sleep is truly commendable.”

GADDA CO, under the house of the brands – Baby & Mom Retail, has established itself as a trusted name for delivering exceptional sleep products that combine comfort and durability. This partnership with Mukesh Khanna signals the brand’s continued focus on expanding its reach and strengthening its position in the Indian market.

Shish Kharesiya, Founder and CEO of House of Brands – Baby & Mom Retail, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, “Having Mukesh Khanna on board as our brand ambassador is an honor. His association with GADDA CO perfectly resonates with our brand’s values of providing reliable, long-lasting products. We are excited to take our brand to new heights with him by our side. At GADDA CO, we believe that everyone deserves a restful, comfortable sleep, and with Mukesh Khanna as our ambassador, we aim to communicate this message more effectively to our audience.”

This collaboration marks a strategic move for GADDA CO to not only boost brand recognition but also foster a deeper connection with Indian consumers by associating with a beloved figure like Mukesh Khanna. Together, they aim to redefine the concept of comfort, ensuring that every customer enjoys a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli Celebrates Foundation Day with Great Fervor

New Delhi/ NCR/ Kundli: National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), celebrated its Foundation Day on 7th October for the first time since its inception with immense enthusiasm and grandeur. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The celebrations were also attended by Professor (Dr.) MN Doja, Director, IIIT, Sonipat, and Mr. Vivek Chandra, CEO of LT Foods Ltd., as the Guests of Honor. Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, warmly welcomed the guests and audience.

In her address, Smt. Anita Praveen emphasized the critical role of institutions like NIFTEM in strengthening the food processing sector and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of food processing. She lauded NIFTEM’s contribution to advancing research and developing novel technologies for food industry in India and its commitment to training future leaders in this domain. Secretary, MoFPI also highlighted the Ministry’s continued support towards strengthening NIFTEM to improve its research infrstructure and outreach activities.

The Guests of Honour, Dr. M. N. Doja and Mr. Vivek Chandra, shared valuable insights on technological advancements and entrepreneurial growth within the food sector. They appreciated NIFTEM’s efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, driving progress, and nurturing talent through their interdisciplinary approach.

Alumni from various batches also came together to celebrate Foundation Day and post their participation in the Alumni Meet organized on 6th October. They shared their experiences and reconnected with their alma mater. Some of the Alumni performed during the cultural evening organized by students from different batches. prpgrammes and streams. Cultural evening included some very enthralling folk dances, melodies of yester years, jugal bandi, fusion etc by the very talented NIFTEM-K students which ensured audience glued to their chairs. The event served as a platform for alumni to interact with current students, discuss industry trends, and explore opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.

As part of the Foundation Day festivities, a Kavi Sammelan (poetry session) was organized, featuring celebrated poets Saurav Jain Suman, Rajesh Agarwal, Radhika Mitalash, Vibhor Chaudhary, and Dr. Pratik Gupta, who captivated the audience with their profound verses and recitations, making the day memorable one.NIFTEM’s Foundation Day marked another year of excellence, innovation, and growth in the field of food technology and entrepreneurship.